Governor Ikpeazu Tests Positive For Covid-19
Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia State Governor, has tested positive to coronavirus.
The state Commissioner for Information, John Okiyi confirmed the Governor’s positive case in a statement which reads: “Recall that on Saturday, 30th May, 2020, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu volunteered his sample for COVID-19 test and subsequently directed members of the state Executive Council (EXCO) and those of the inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19 to submit themselves for the same test.
On Tuesday, 2nd June 2020, the result of Governor Ikpeazu’s test returned negative. “On Thursday, 4th June 2020, the governor submitted another sample at the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) laboratory for confirmation and the result returned positive.
“As a result, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has gone into isolation as required by relevant NCDC protocols, and he is being managed by a competent team of medical practitioners with a view to nursing him back to good health.
The Governor told his people not to panic, I’m stable; Ikpeazu tells Abia people Meantime, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has assured the people of the state not to panic as he is stable and in high spirits.
Ikpeazu, whose second Covid-19 test returned positive yesterday explained that his decision to present himself for a second test was to remove all doubts about his status; after testing negative the first time.
In a statement by Okezie’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, the governor said: “As your governor, I have a responsibility to do what is right and keep our people fully updated about my health status”.
Dr. Okezie reiterated his stance that testing positive to the virus is not a death sentence and encouraged the people of the state not to panic, but to continue to take issues concerning the COVID-19 pandemic seriously.
The Governor urged the people of Abia State to take necessary precautions in line with the protocols stipulated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC.
Ikpeazu disclosed that he has commenced self-isolation and is being watched by experienced medical personnel and said his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu will act in his absence